Hawaiian Aumakua, Our Ancestral Guardian Spirits

"Kaha ka 'Io me na Makani"

(The Hawk Soars with the Winds)

To the ancient Hawaiians, an Aumakua was a deified ancestral guardian spirit, embodying the form of an animal to watch over their descendants. An Aumakua could manifest itself as a shark, a sea turtle, an 'Io (hawk), a Pueo (owl) or other animal. The Aumakuas empower, guide, protect and inspire their descendants. They are treated with the greatest respect and often asked for advice in times of need. Aumakuas also may bring gifts of Mana; supernatural powers that manifest in talents and abilities.

In Hawaiian mythology, ‘Io, the Hawaiian Hawk, is considered a messenger of God. The sacred bird teaches us to look at life from a higher perspective. ‘Io is the king of the Hawaiian birds.

“He ‘Io au, he manu i ka lewa lani.

(I am ‘Io, the bird that soars in the heavenly sky.)”

‘Io reminds us to live well, love nature, and Malama ‘Aina (care for the land).

The Hawaiian Hawk is endemic to the Islands of Hawaii. His feathers are different shades of brown. ‘Io is about 17 inches long and considered an endangered species.

Watching the majestic bird soar through the sky in the beautiful, secluded mountains of Kau on the Big Island of Hawaii, where I have lived for the past 45 years, I developed a deep connection to him. ‘Io, calling to me from Leva Lani (the heavenly sky), became my Aumakua.

Following an inspiration I decided to include 'Io in the creation of "Magical Hawaiian Menehunes". 

'Io became the Aumakua of Iolani.

Iolani and ‘Io

Dancing with ‘Io

Birthdate: Mei 1, 2026 (05-01-26)

"Kaha ka 'Io me na Makani"

(The Hawk Soars with the Winds)

High up in the Kaiholena mountains, Iolani (Heavenly Hawk) honors the Akuas (spirits) with the ancient Kahiko Hula. Her sacred Aumakua (ancestral spirit) is the Hawaiian ‘Io (hawk). ‘Io loves to ride on Iolani’s arm and enhance her dance.

‘Io always reveals his miraculous powers and loving concerns to her. ‘Io empowers, guides, protect and inspires her. He heightens Iolani’s awareness and lets her true soul light shine through.

In Hawaii the ‘Io is considered the hawk of the Ali’i (royalty). He is a messenger of the Akuas (spirits). The sacred bird teaches us to look at life from a higher perspective. ‘Io is the king of the Hawaiian birds.

‘Io soars high above, reminding us to live well, love nature,

and Malama ‘Aina (care for the land).

He ‘Io au, he manu i ka lewa lani.

(I am ‘Io, the bird that soars in the heavenly sky.)

Iolani’s Tutu (grandmother) sewed her red and yellow top and Pa’u hula skirt. Last Tutu wrapped a precious Pikake shaped mother of pearl necklace around her neck.

All these precious things were Tutu’s gifts of Aloha (Love) to her beloved Mo’opuna Wahine (granddaughter).

Iolani is a 10” tall cloth doll who was individually handcrafted on the Big Island of Hawaii with the greatest love and respect for all that is Hawaii.

The body is made out of doll skin, stuffed with high quality poly fill and wired for flexibility. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face giving the doll a unique personality.

‘Io is about 2.5” tall. He is made out of faux fur, partially crocheted and real feathers.

All accessories were individually hand crafted.

Iolani is not dress up dolls. All clothing and accessories are sewn and/or glued onto her.

Doll care: Gently brush the dolls and their clothing with a soft toothbrush to remove dust. Always brush the faces and bodies upwards towards the hair. You may gently finger comb her hair.

Iolani and ‘Io are one of a kind Hawaiian Art Dolls and come with a booklet and certificate of authenticity. They are display dolls and collector’s item bringing you the spiritual power of Hawaii.

Every bit of Iolani and ‘Io has been lovingly handcrafted to create new friends who will last a lifetime.

Iolani and ‘Io reflect the divine within us. 

They are ready to be your new friends and fly into your heart.

HawaiianCollectibleMenehuneDolls.com

 

He'e Nalu, the Hawaiian Art of Surfing

 

Hawaii is a surfer’s paradise. Volcanic activity, mild weather, and coral reefs create perfect and challenging waves on white, golden, green and black sand beaches. When the surf is up, the surfer’s heart dances with excitement as he eagerly anticipates the challenges of the great waves. The ancient Hawaiians called this feeling “hopupu”. Surfing means riding the waves with focus and balance, finding the perfect attitude between tension and flexibility. Surfers describe it as the very best feeling in the world.

They share a love for the ocean. It becomes their greatest teacher evoking deep respect, humbleness, and fear. With relaxed alertness the surfer watches the ever changing tide, the swell building or fading, the shape of the wave; until he finds the break and rides one of those big waves home.

Surfing requires intense focus, strength, courage, and grace. 

He'e Nalu

The history of surfing in Hawaii goes back to the 4th century A.D. To the ancient Hawaiian people surfing was a spiritual form of art which they integrated into their culture. They called it he’e nalu which means wave sliding. The art of riding the waves was a deeply spiritual skill and ritual in ancient Hawaii. The ceremony began with the creation of the olo (surfboard). After choosing a WiliWili, Ula, or Koa tree, Hawaiians faced towards the sea and said a prayer of thanks for the wood they would use. Then they honored the spirit of the tree by burying a fish underneath it.

Before entering the great ocean, Hawaiians performed a ceremony of special dances and chants asking for strength, protection, and great surf.

Around 1820, the missionaries prohibited surfing in Hawaii and it became nearly extinct until in 1905 a group of native Hawaiians, led by Duke Kahanamoku, revived surfing on the islands.

Today, surfing in Hawaii has become a way of life.

The magic of surfing inspired the creation of Kai (Ocean), the Surfer Boy.

Kai (Ocean), the Surfer Boy
Birth Date: Lune 21, 2024 (06-21-24)

Kai inspires us to surrender to the waves of life with focus and balance, 

allowing them to safely carry us to our highest goals.

Kai's best friend and greatest teacher is the ocean. 

When the surf is up, Kai can’t wait to get into the ocean. His heart dances with Hopupu (excitement) as he eagerly anticipates the challenges of the great waves.

Kai loves the Pacific Ocean and the surf has been his greatest teacher, evoking deep respect and humbleness within him. He knows that every wave along with the wind presents a challenge of going with its flow. Kai watches the waves, feels them inside, and connects to their Mana (spiritual energy).

He flies along the sea on his Olo (surfboard), riding the waves with focus and balance, Kai finds the perfect attitude between tension and flexibility and rides the great wave home. It is the very best feeling in the world.

Surfing is magical! It has become his way of life!

Kai’s surfboard matches his shorts with a red Hibiscus design.

Kai’s Tutu (grandmother) sewed his shorts and crocheted matching shoes. She also made a turquoise head band for Kai to keep his hair out of his eyes while he surfs. Last, as a blessing and protection, Tutu wrapped a sacred shell necklace with a wave crystal around Kai’s neck.

All these things were Tutu’s sacred gifts of Aloha (Love) to her beloved Mo'opuna Kane (grandson).

Kai is about 4” tall fitting in the palm of your hand. The body is made out of doll skin and wired for flexibility. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face. Nalu has tiny little hands and feet, ears, buttocks, and a belly button. All accessories were individually handcrafted.

Kai is not a dress up dolls. All clothing and accessories are sewn and/or glued onto him.

Doll care: Gently brush the dolls and their clothing with a soft dry toothbrush to remove dust. Always brush the faces and bodies upwards towards the hair. Do not brush the hair!

Kai is a one of a kind Hawaiian Art Doll. Every bit of him has been lovingly handcrafted to create a new friend who will last a lifetime.

Kai is a display doll and collector’s item bringing you the spiritual power of Hawaii.

He comes with his story and a certificate of authenticity.

Kai reflects the spiritual powers of the Hawaiian Waters.

He is ready to be your new friend and surf his way into your heart.

www.Etsy.com

Pono inspires Aloha!

 

Pono (Harmony) and Pueo (Owl)

Birthdate: Lanuali 22, 2026 (01/22/26)

Pono inspires Aloha and the lifestyle of Hawaiian Pono,

which unites body, mind and spirit in balance and harmony.

Full of mischief and excitement, Pono happily skips through the enchanting Ohia forest. Lots of treasures, like rocks, nuts and fruits, are everywhere. Pono picks up everything that looks special to him and carefully puts it in the pouch Tutu (grandma) crocheted for him. Today he found 2 Maias (bananas), his favorite treat!

Pueo, the Hawaiian Owl, is Pono’s Aumakua (ancestral spirit) and his loyal companion. Pueo often reveals her miraculous powers and loving concerns to Pono. She appears whenever Pono calls on her, but Pueo also comes on her own at important times of change, when she knows that her advice is needed. Pono always greets her with love and respect. Pueo gently chirps sweet songs and secret messages in Pono’s ear, guiding him even deeper into a place of inner stillness.

In Hawaii the Menehunes are often called "The Little People of the Secret Power" and referred to as the legendary, original inhabitants of the islands. Menehunes are mystical, shy little creatures who hide in secret places of the forest during the day, and perform their magic at night under the glow of the moon.

Many People in Hawaii have actually seen Menehunes.

Pono takes the greatest pleasure in doing good deeds to help people.

With his great determination and perseverance, 

he possesses a magical ability to get things done.

Pono loves playing, dancing, singing, swimming, and, most of all, eating. If you hanai (adopt) him, love him, and take care of him, he will love you in return with unconditional Aloha, guide, protect, and inspire you on your life's journey.

Tutu Lulu sewed his lavalava (wraparound) and Kihei (shawl). She also crocheted his turquoise Menehune hat, shoes and underpants. All these things were Tutu’s gifts of Aloha to her beloved Mo’opuna Kane (grandson).

Pono is about 4” tall fitting in the palm of your hand. Pueo is crocheted and about 1” tall. They were individually handcrafted on the Big Island of Hawaii with the greatest love and respect for all that is Hawaii.

Pono’s body is made out of doll skin and stuffed with high quality poly fill. The body is wired for flexibility. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face giving the doll a unique personality. All accessories were individually hand crafted.

Pono is not a dress up doll. All clothing and accessories are sewn and/or glued onto him.

Doll care: Gently brush the dolls and their clothing with a soft toothbrush to remove dust. Always brush the faces and bodies upwards towards the hair. Do not brush the hair!

Pono and Pueo are one of a kind Hawaiian Art Dolls and come with a booklet and certificate of authenticity. They are collector’s items bringing you the spiritual power of Hawaii.

Every bit of Pono and Pueo has been lovingly handcrafted to create new friends who will last a lifetime.

Pono and Pueo bring you the spiritual power of Hawaii.

They are ready to be your new friends and fly into your heart. 

www.Etsy.com

Reflections on Kuleana

Reflections on Kuleana

Kuleana means responsibility for ourselves, our actions, our community and the ‘Aina (land). Kuleana is keeping and being accountable to the promises we make. 

Living Kuleana and standing together in Lokahi (unity) revitalizes 

the Mana (spirit) of life!

The people of Hawaii practice Kuleana to the ‘Aina by caring for the land and respecting it. 

In return the land has the Kuleana to feed, shelter and clothes the people. 

This interaction enforces the wellbeing and balance within nature and society.

Hawaiians exercised Kuleana in their Ahupua’as, which reflects sustainable living in Hawaiian culture. In this efficient land management system wedge shaped land sections were divided extending from the mountains to the sea. Each section was carefully designed to provide within its borders the natural resources a community required to meet its own needs. All Ahupua‘a included the honored Wao Akua (realm of the gods) in the upland forest.
The boundary was marked by Pohakus (stones) arranged in the image of Pua’a (pig).

Native Hawaiians honored the relationship between people and ‘Aina, ocean, ecosystems and all live forms by practicing reference and stewardship for all. “We have a Kuleana to care for and respect our land. In return, the land has the Kuleana to care for and respect us.”

The Hawaiian concept of responsibility inspired the creation of Hawaiian Art Doll Kuleana.

Kuleana (Responsibility), the Pa’u Hula Dancer

Birth Date: ‘Okakopa 2, 2025 (10/12/25)

Aloha Mai

I come with love.

Kuleana means responsibility for ourselves, our actions, our community and the ‘Aina (land). Kuleana is keeping and being accountable to the promises we make.

Living Kuleana and standing together in Lokahi (unity) revitalizes 

the Mana (spirit) of life!

Kuleana connects our hearts and actions with Aloha.

Focus on your higher purpose, choose wisely and you will grow,

flourish and blossom in unlimited possibilities!

The sacred drumming of the Ipu (gourd) echoes across the 'Aina (land) as Kuleana dances and chants with the Akuas (spirits) of the Ohia Forest.

The graceful movements of her hands and body tell stories about our Kuleana to the ‘Aina (land), the ‘Ahupua’a (land divisions) and the traditions of the Hawaiian people.

Kuleana's Hula attunes us to spirit and gladdens the heart.

Kuleana’s Tutu (grandmother) is her Kumu Hula (Hula Teacher). She taught her the powerful movements of the Kahiko Hula.

Tutu also sewed the traditional red Pa’u hula skirt, matching top and pants. She wove a traditional grass skirt.
Tutu wove her Mana (spiritual energy) and Aloha (love) into Kuleana’s Maile Haku (head lei), wrist and ankle leis. In Hawaii Maile is the lei of eternal love.
Last Tutu draped a shell lei around Kuleana’s neck and stuck a beautiful Plumeria floer behind her ear.
All these precious things were Tutu’s gifts of Aloha (Love) to her beloved Mo’opuna Wahine (granddaughter).

Kuleana is a 10” tall cloth doll who was individually handcrafted on the Big Island of Hawaii with the greatest love and respect for all that is Hawaii. Her body is made out of doll skin and stuffed with high quality poly fill. The body is wired for flexibility. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face. All accessories were individually hand crafted.
Kuleana is not a dress up doll. All clothing and accessories are sewn and/or glued onto her.

Doll care: Gently brush the dolls and their clothing with a soft toothbrush to remove dust. Always brush the faces and bodies upwards towards the hair. You may gently comb her hair.

Kuleana is a one of a kind Hawaiian Art Doll and comes with a booklet and certificate of authenticity. She is a collector’s item bringing you the spiritual power of Hawaii.

Every bit of Kuleana has been lovingly handcrafted to create a new friend who will last a lifetime.

Kuleana is ready to be your new friend and dance into your heart.

Kuleana’s Mana attunes us to the spirit of Aloha.

www.Etsy.com

Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf

Fairy tales have a wonderful secretive power. They draw magic into our lives and inspire us with a sense of wonder. Enchantment, magical spells, dwarfs, giants, witches and always the triumph of good over evil have fascinated humanity for centuries.

As a little girl in Germany my childhood was filled with fairy tales and magic. Every night my grandmother or my mother would read a fairy tale to me. I loved to hear them over and over again.

My grandmother’s Brother Grimm's fairy tale book is still one of my most cherished possessions.

Opening the precious book with the wonderful pictures is like stepping into a world of magic.

Fairy tales shaped my life, teaching me to dream, believe and love.

At an early age I learned that all things magical require faith.

Fairy tales have been passed down from mother to daughter, father to son, for hundreds of years. Our ancestors talk to us through fairy tales, reawakening memories that go beyond childhood into past lives reminding us of the trans-formative power of stories.

My love of fairy tales inspired the creation of Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf.

Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf

Birthdate: July 21, 2025

Always make wise choices!

Once upon a time in the Grimm fairy tale "Little Red Riding Hood", a little girl meets a wolf in the woods when she was taking bread, wine and flowers to her grandmother. The mean wolf devours the grandmother and Little Red Riding Hood. In the end a huntsman saves both the girl and her grandmother from the wolf.

This Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf become very good friends.

The Wolf accompanies Little Red Riding Hood everywhere,

watching for dangers and protecting her from all threats.

Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf live happily ever after.

Little Red Riding Hood is about 7” tall and the wolf is about 4” tall. They were individually handcrafted on the Big Island of Hawaii with the greatest love and respect for the Grimm’s fairy tale.

Little Red Riding Hood wears a blue dress, a red hooded cape and black crocheted shoes. She carries a basket with a bottle of wine, bread and flowers.

Little Red Riding Hood’s body is made out of doll skin and stuffed with high quality poly fill. The body is wired for flexibility. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face. The wolf is sewn out of faux fur. All accessories were individually hand crafted.

Little Red Riding Hood is not a dress up doll. All clothing and accessories are sewn and/or glued onto her.

Doll care: Gently brush the dolls and their clothing with a soft toothbrush to remove dust. Always brush the faces and bodies upwards towards the hair.

Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf are one of a kind Hawaiian Art Dolls and come with a booklet and certificate of authenticity. They are collector’s items bringing you the spiritual power of fairy tales.

Every bit of Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf has been lovingly handcrafted to create new friends who will last a lifetime.

Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf are ready to be your new friends 

and capture your heart.

 HawaiianCollectibleMenehuneDolls.com

Magical Fairy Tales

 

Fairy tales have a wonderful secretive power. They draw magic into our lives and inspire us with a sense of wonder. Enchantment, magical spells, dwarfs, giants, witches and always the triumph of good over evil have fascinated humanity for centuries.

As a little girl in Germany my childhood was filled with fairy tales and magic. Every night my grandmother or my mother would read a fairy tale to me. I loved to hear them over and over again.

My grandmother’s Brother Grimm's fairy tale book is still one of my most cherished possessions.

Opening the precious book with the wonderful pictures is like stepping into a world of magic.

Fairy tales shaped my life, teaching me to dream, believe and love.

At an early age I learned that all things magical require faith.

Fairy tales have been passed down from mother to daughter, father to son, for hundreds of years. Our ancestors talk to us through fairy tales, reawakening memories that go beyond childhood into past lives reminding us of the trans-formative power of stories.

My love of fairy tales inspired the creation of Rumpelstiltskin.

Rumpelstiltskin, Spinning Straw to Gold

Birthdate: July 21, 2025 

Always tell the truth!

Take responsibility for your actions.

Once upon a time in the Grimm fairy tale "Rumpelstiltskin", a miller tells the king that his daughter can spin straw into gold. The king locks her in a tower room filled with straw and orders her to spin it into gold by morning or face death.

There she sat crying in despair when a little man appeared and offered to help in exchange for her necklace. The next morning, the king is amazed, but now he wants more gold to be spun. The little man returns again, this time asking for her ring in exchange.

On the third night, she must spin even more straw into gold, and if successful, will become the king's wife. This time the little man wants her firstborn child as a reward.

After she becomes queen and has a child, Rumpelstiltskin appears to claim the child, but the queen begs for more time. He gives her three days to guess his name, or he gets the child. By chance she learns his name is Rumpelstiltskin, and he vanishes in fury.

This little Rumpelstiltskin chooses good over evil.

He let go of his desire for magic and control.

Rumpelstiltskin and the Queen become good friends and live happily ever after.

Rumpelstiltskin is about 7” tall. He was individually handcrafted on the Big Island of Hawaii with the greatest love and respect for the Grimm’s fairy tale.

Rumpelstiltskin wears long brown crocheted pants, purple crocheted elf shoes and hat, a beige shirt and purple vest.

Rumpelstiltskin’s body is made out of doll skin and stuffed with high quality poly fill. The body is wired for flexibility. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face. All accessories were individually hand crafted.
Rumpelstiltskin is not a dress up doll. All clothing and accessories are sewn and/or glued onto him.

Doll care: Gently brush the dolls and their clothing with a soft toothbrush to remove dust. Always brush the faces and bodies upwards towards the hair.

Rumpelstiltskin is a one of a kind Hawaiian Art Dolls and comes with his spinning wheel, a booklet and certificate of authenticity. He is a collector’s items bringing you the spiritual power of fairy tales.

Every bit of Rumpelstiltskin has been lovingly handcrafted to create a new friend who will last a lifetime.

Rumpelstiltskin is ready to be your new friend and spin his way into your heart.

Etsy.com

 

 

Ohana Means Family!

 

Lilo Pelekai and Stitch

Birth Date: Lune 8, 2025 (06/08/25)

Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.

Lilo’s shaved ice is like a burst of cool, refreshing, flavorful energy. It fills her with Hau’oli (happiness). Lilo enjoys every bite of it, losing herself in the vibrant, fruity, delicious flavors.

Lilo is a sweet, courageous and high-spirited girl. After all her last name, Pelekai means ‘Volcano of the Sea’.

In the Hawaiian language Lilo means generous and Lilo is more than generous sharing her love with the Ohana (family). She is devoted to her Ohana and believes in the good of everyone.

Stitch is an extraterrestrial. Through her love, faith and unwavering belief in Ohana, Lilo helps unlock Stitch's heart and gives him the ability to care for others.

In Hawai’i you don’t have to be related by blood to be considered Ohana.

Here we are connected to one another in many ways.

Lilo knows, that whether the bond is by blood or Aloha, we are Ohana 

and take care of each other.

Lilo also teaches Stitch to dance the Hula.

Lilo’s dance contains a magic that conveys the spirit of Aloha and gladdens the heart.

Lilo’s Tutu (grandmother) sewed her red dress with the white leaves and crocheted turchoise underpants, a headband and shoes which she adorned with crystals. Last Tutu put a beautiful Plumeria flower behind Lilo’s ear and gave her some money to buy one of her favorite shaved ice.

All these precious things were Tutu’s gifts of Aloha (Love) to her beloved Mo’opuna Wahine (granddaughter).

Lilo is about 4” tall and Stitch is about 1.5” tall fitting in the palm of your hand. They were individually handcrafted on the Big Island of Hawaii with the greatest love and respect for all that is Hawaii.

Lilo’s body is made out of doll skin and stuffed with high quality poly fill. The body is wired for flexibility. The eyes and mouth are intricately embroidered onto the face giving the doll a unique personality. 

Stitch is crocheted out of blue, turquoise and pink embroidery thread. All accessories were individually hand crafted.

Lilo and Stitch are not dress up dolls. All clothing and accessories are sewn and/or glued onto them. Lilo can hold Stitch under her arm or have him stand on his own.

Doll care: Gently brush the dolls and their clothing with a soft toothbrush to remove dust. Always brush the faces and bodies upwards towards the hair. Do not brush the hair!

Lilo and Stitch are one of a kind Hawaiian Art Dolls and come with a booklet and certificate of authenticity. They are collector’s items bringing you the spiritual power of Hawaii.

Every bit of Lilo and Stitch has been lovingly handcrafted to create new friends who will last a lifetime.

Lilo and Stitch reflect the Aloha spirit of Hawaii.

They are ready to be part of your Ohana and dance into your heart!

www.HawaiianCollectibleMenehuneDolls.com